Five QBs in training camp? Perhaps not

Bruce Allen just spent a few minutes answering questions before a Greater Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce Buccaneers luncheon that is underway right now, and among his comments were some intriguing statements about the quarterback lineup.

I asked Allen whether he still felt the team was comfortable taking five quarterbacks to training camp as he's said in the past. This time, Allen allowed that other factors, mainly injuries, will impact whether there is adequate room among the 80 players to be heavy at quarterback. As a result, perhaps there is a chance Chris Simms will get his wish of being released sooner rather than later.

Allen said when he stated the team planned to bring five quarterbacks to camp, he was operating under the assumption the NFL would expand training camp rosters. It ultimately decided not to.

On a related subject, Allen said he was surprised at Simms' comments earlier this week criticizing Jon Gruden for his handling of Simms' situation. Allen said he was taken aback by the comments because they differed from statements made to Allen by Simms in private conversations.

Allen went as far as saying Simms' statements were little more than a publicity stunt by his agents. That's a comment that isn't likely to sit well with Simms.

Asked by an audience member to address Simms, Gruden said, "I like Chris Simms. I don't necessarily agree. But I'm going to coach the quarterbacks who are here."

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